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Riot Games partners with Marvel for League of Legends comics

The first release from this League of Legends comics series features Ashe and arrives in May 2018.

Charles Singletary Jr

November 19, 2018 1:30 PM

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Riot Games is digging into another medium to expand the world of its MOBA hit. Riot is partnering with Marvel Entertainment for a series of comic books that dive into League of Legends lore. The first is a graphic novel called League of Legends: Ashe: Warmother and it's due in May 2019.

The Verge reported the new comic book deal and it isn't the first time League characters are getting the comic-style treatment. The lore for League of Legends has largely existed through text on the website, with some flashes shared with the cinematic shorts. However, Riot Games has used comic panels to promote champion updates or skin releases. These creations "were really helpful in figuring out the direction we are now committing to for our series with Marvel," Riot's Head of Creative Development Greg Street told the publication. One of the game's existing digital comics, Miss Fortune: Fortune Smiles, can be read on the official League of Legends website.

Riot Games has engaged in a wealth of marketing for League of Legends across various mediums, most notably with music collaborations. The series has resulted in some quality songs featuring well-known artists, but none more exciting than "Pop/Stars" by virtual band K/DA, which features Akali, Ahri, Kai'Sa, and Evelynn. The song, performed by Jaira Burns, (G)I-DLE, and Madison Beer, ended up topping the Billboard World Digital Song sales chart.

The members of K/DA from League of Legends all received skins based on an alternate reality where pop music has overtaken the LoL world. Kai'Sa also received a bonus gold edition of her K/DA outfit. The crew performed live in an augmented reality experience that featured the real-life artists during the 2018 World Championship opening ceremony.

League of Legends is free-to-play and available on PC right now. Stay tuned to Shacknews for additional updates.

Charles Singletary Jr

News Editor

Charles Singletary Jr keeps the updates flowing as the News Editor, breaking stories while investigating the biggest topics in gaming and technology. He's pretty active on Twitter, so feel free to reach out to him @The_CSJR. Got a hot tip? Email him at Charles.Singletary@Shacknews.com.